The Southern Marin Fire Protection District Board of Directors Appointed Former Southern Marin Fire Deputy Chief & Former Mill Valley Fire Chief Tom Welch to Serve as Interim Fire Chief effective June 29, 2026.
The Southern Marin Fire Protection District Board of Directors has appointed former Southern Marin Fire Deputy Chief and former Mill Valley Fire Chief Tom Welch to serve as Interim Fire Chief effective June 29, 2026. Welch will assume the role following the retirement of Fire Chief Chris Tubbs on June 30, 2026, while the Board continues its ongoing national recruitment process for the District’s next permanent Fire Chief. Welch brings decades of fire service leadership experience, longstanding regional relationships, and deep familiarity with the communities served by Southern Marin Fire Protection District. His career has included leadership roles both within Southern Marin Fire and the City of Mill Valley, where he earned broad respect for his collaborative leadership, operational experience, and commitment to public service.
Board President Cliff Waldeck said the Board was unified and enthusiastic in its support for Welch’s appointment.
“Tom is deeply respected throughout this organization and across the broader Marin County fire service community,” Waldeck said. “The Board is confident in his leadership and his ability to continue the strong relationships, operational excellence, and community-centered approach that are so important to this District and the people we serve.”
Waldeck added that Welch’s familiarity with Southern Marin Fire and its regional partners positions the District to maintain continuity across emergency operations, wildfire preparedness efforts, community partnerships, and ongoing regional initiatives during the transition period.
Chief Chris Tubbs also expressed strong support for the appointment.
“Tom understands this organization, these communities, and the importance of service-driven leadership,” Tubbs said. “He brings experience, perspective, and a collaborative approach that will serve the District and our personnel well during this transition.”
The Board also expressed appreciation for Chief Tubbs’ leadership and service to the District and the broader Southern Marin community.
Additional updates regarding the Fire Chief recruitment process will be shared as appropriate in the coming months.